About JimTh

Following

JimTh's Past Cruises

September 2015 - Independence of the Seas to Caribbean - Eastern

Service, food, etc. all met our high expectations. Fpod service by Jeana and John was expecially good

Getting off and on the ship was a pain....don't think they've done it before!! In San Juan it took 40 minutes for our excurision group to disembark...for no apparent reason.....took 45 minute to get back on--a belated announcement claimed a security issue but no one told us that while waiting in line.

In 20 cruises, the cruise director was full of more phony enthusiasm than any other we've see. And the entertainment sucked....at some point they've done away with nightly outside entertainers.....the RCL productions were fine, but two are enuf...the wedding game is NOT decent entertainment and that was the main event one night...Mosaic group on another nite....after four songs I never heard of, I walked out.

I think this cruise moved us up the RCL Diamond status and I'm not sure we'll do another RCL cruise....already have Norwegian line up for this spring.

April 2015 - Norwegian Jewel to Panama Canal, Central America

Several things they did well. Some they didn't appear to have a clue. First, and worst, the cabin they sold as "obstructed oceanview" had no view whatsoever--the window was opaque, barely letting light in. For all intents and purposes, an inside cabin at a premium price. At best, a deceptive description. The Colonial Cartegena excursion was probably 70% shops. On another excursion we sat on the bus on the pier for over an hour just waiting to get started....on a bus with a non functioning bathroom...nice job!! Two scheduled on board programs were cancelled. Buffet food tended to be cold. Entertainment tended to be above average. Except for singers who seemed happy to entertain themselves rather than gear their program for the demographics of the guests. Getting off was easy. All in all, a mixed bag.

September 2014 - Brilliance of the Seas to Canada, New England, New York

cruised out of Boston, 9/28 to 10/5. Check in went well. Room was ready when they said it would be.

Food was great; as was service in the dining room. Entertainment above average, except for one show.

Excursions went well.

I signed up for a wifi plan. In the middle of the voyage they changed plans without telling anyone. Led to frustrations trying to sign on. Finally called and was told about the cancellation and need to sign on for a new plan. Tried to find out how tips were distributed...they flatly refused to disclose it; even tho it was readily published in the past. Couldn't get a forecast for Boston the day before were returned......it would have made packing and planning easier. Bottom line.....we'll do RCL again